Lighting Standards Introduce Lamp Base and Holder for Tubular LEDs

ROSSLYN, Va.—Today, ANSI Accredited Standards Committee C81 revised two standards for the lighting industry: ANSI C81.61-2017 American National Standard for Electric Lamp Bases—Specifications for Bases (Caps) for Electric Lamps and ANSI C81.62-2017 American National Standard for Electric Lampholders, as announced by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). These standards present specifications for lamp bases and holders, and now include G6.6 designations.

Mike May, CEO of Deltavation and ASC C81 committee member, explained the significance of the G6.6 design. "The tubular LED (T-LED) industry has a new connector system designed to mechanically hold and power T-LED lamps across a wide range of voltages. These revisions include the T-LED Snap-Fit design (G6.6 designation)—a base with two internal power pins and an additional ground pin that mates to an accompanying lamp holder."

May explained that the Snap-Fit system provides differentiation between fluorescent and LED lighting. "This is a departure from the legacy external bi-pin system used for fluorescent tube lamps," said May. "These standards now provide the marketplace with a base and lamp holder specifically designed for the T-LED industry."

NEMA's Lighting Systems Division, as the secretariat of ANSI's ASC C81 for Bases, Lampholders & Gauges, is looking for industry experts in the User, General Interest, and Producer categories to participate in standards development activities. Contact NEMA at nemalighting@nema.org if you are interested. Please indicate your interest category and your area of expertise.

ANSI C81.61-2017 is available in hard copy or as an electronic download for $517 on the NEMA website.

ANSI C81.62-2017 is available in hard copy or as an electronic download for $380 on the NEMA website.

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